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  #1  
Old 03-04-2011, 06:07 PM
Magnus Magnus is offline
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Default Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Wich one do you guys perfer Synthetic oil or regular oil?

Is it true you see better fuel economy when you use synthetic oil and it also cleans the engine better than regular oil. And then the old tale appears once u run synthetic you cannot go back to regular oil. Reason why I ask is my Ranger is due for an oil change here soon and I am thinking about using synthetic. If so whats a good brand to use and a brand to stay away from. I am thinking about using Ams Oil

Last edited by Magnus; 03-04-2011 at 06:10 PM.
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  #2  
Old 03-04-2011, 06:19 PM
Rommelx3 Rommelx3 is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

I just switched over to synthetic this morning so I'm still not sure how it's going to work out!
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  #3  
Old 03-04-2011, 06:21 PM
Twisty Twisty is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Engine starts quicker, runs smoother and quieter. MPG goes up. Power and torque go up.
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Old 03-04-2011, 06:33 PM
mickblock mickblock is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Synthetic will retain the characteristics of it's viscosity rating longer than conventional oil.

There is a caution about switching to synthetic in an older engine that is is "used to" regular oil because synthetic will find leaks that the regular oil wouldn't.
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Old 03-04-2011, 06:59 PM
Twisty Twisty is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Rumor has it that conventional oil has an additive that causes the gaskets to swell, which may improve sealing.
Synthetic may not have it. I suppose it depends on the brand or type. An additive (Lucas?) can be used if synthetic seems to "cause" a leak.
I went to Royal Purple at about 36k miles - everything is still dry.
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  #6  
Old 03-04-2011, 07:16 PM
Magnus Magnus is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

I have 53,928 Km on my truck also wondering if its too late to add AMS Oil
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  #7  
Old 03-04-2011, 07:19 PM
Little Blue Little Blue is offline
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Default

Synthetic is the way to go EXCEPT for old cars (they'll leak) and NEVER break an engine in with synthetic. The valves will never seat and you'll be screwed.
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  #8  
Old 03-04-2011, 07:52 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by Twisty View Post
Engine starts quicker, runs smoother and quieter. MPG goes up. Power and torque go up.
I would love someone to actually show some actual evidence of any of this. Besides what's written on the side of the bottle.
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  #9  
Old 03-04-2011, 07:56 PM
Rango88 Rango88 is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by Little Blue View Post
Synthetic is the way to go EXCEPT for old cars (they'll leak) and NEVER break an engine in with synthetic. The valves will never seat and you'll be screwed.
how long should you wait to put syntec in a new engine?
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  #10  
Old 03-04-2011, 07:59 PM
mickblock mickblock is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

is it 800 miles?
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  #11  
Old 03-04-2011, 08:01 PM
Rango88 Rango88 is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by mickblock View Post
is it 800 miles?


i just turned 1600 kms=1000 miles so i should be good at first oil change at approx 3000 kms?
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  #12  
Old 03-04-2011, 08:23 PM
mickblock mickblock is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Your owners manual will have this info if this engine requires a break in period.
Lazy-ass answer I know. I can't remember how long I waited.

I wonder if synthetic oil burns like regular oil? Before the piston rings are seated fully an engine will burn a bit of oil. Maybe that's what the whole don't use synthetic before break in is all about?
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  #13  
Old 03-04-2011, 09:04 PM
DHEM DHEM is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

I do know for a fact synthetic oil works better for a broader ranger of temperatures, and that synthetic oil is a thinner oil. In some cases you will see a slight increase in power just by using the thinner synthetic oil, up to 10hp usually. Most engines now require synthetic oil, like the Chrysler 2.7 v6, running conventional oil in that will destroy it.
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  #14  
Old 03-04-2011, 09:09 PM
Twisty Twisty is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
I would love someone to actually show some actual evidence of any of this. Besides what's written on the side of the bottle.
When you change over it is very obvious.
Starts in cold temps are quicker.
Quieter - well... figure it out.
Seat of the pants feel - well...
You don't gain HP or torque, the oil "frees up" the moving parts.
I gained about 2 MPG.
My warranty required putting synthetic in the rear end for towing. There is good reason for that.
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  #15  
Old 03-04-2011, 09:12 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Synthetic oil vs Regular oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by DHEM View Post
In some cases you will see a slight increase in power just by using the thinner synthetic oil, up to 10hp usually.
Again I would love to see someone actually show a shred of evidence of this. 10hp is a HUGE MASSIVE increase in power. You can't pour 10hp into an engine. I don't contest that it is a better product than old school dino oil. But these claims of massive gains in performance are ludicrous. Unless you were using elmers glue for lubrication before...

Twisty, seat of your pants performance increase simply means it is all in your head. If you really think you can pour that kind of performance increase into an engine, I have a bridge to sell you as well.
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How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

Last edited by FireRanger; 03-04-2011 at 09:16 PM.
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